YOUR CART

Authors '18, a group dedicated to Adult and New Adult authors debuting their first novels in 2018, recently interviewed first-time author Melissa Bennett, whose book debuted in January.

What can you tell us about yourself?​I grew up in Waco, Texas, but I now live in the suburbs of Kansas City with my husband of 30 years. We are (finally) empty nesters. Two of our four children are on their own, and two are in college. So my only babies are my two Miniature Schnauzers, Chrissy and Cassie.

How did you get into writing?

I’ve always loved writing. Even when I was young. As an adult, I journaled, mostly prayer typer journals. Like Aibileen in “The Help”, I talk to God by writing things down. I’ve shared a few things with close friends who encouraged me to pursue it. That’s how the book started.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love to cook. I’m a cookbook collector, but I rarely follow a recipe. And if I can find anything creative to do, I will.